New Arch Coal president – eastern US

Arch Coal announced yesterday that Charles G. Snavely has decided to retire as president of the company’s eastern US operations, following a 35 year career in the coal industry. Gary Bennett has been named his successor.

"Charles has made a significant contribution to Arch since joining the company at the time of the ICG acquisition," said Kenneth D. Cochran, Arch's senior vice president of operations. "He has distinguished himself as a leader, colleague and friend, and we wish him well as he transitions into a new chapter in his life."

When he joined Arch Coal in 2011, Snavely helped lead the company's integration of ICG. He will continue serving Arch in a consultancy role on critical projects that fall outside the scope of the day-to-day operations through 2014.

Gary L. Bennett will succeed Snavely as president of eastern operations. Bennett will have responsibility for all aspects of Arch's eastern subsidiary operations as well as the eastern engineering group.

"Gary has been a key member of Arch's management team for many years, and is very well-prepared for this important role," said Cochran. "He brings a proven track record in the areas of safety excellence, environmental stewardship, cost control, operations management, and continuous improvement, and we look forward to further progress in all these areas under Gary's leadership."

Bennett joined Arch Coal as a senior engineer in 1990. During his 33 years in the coal industry, he has held various engineering and operating positions in West Virginia and St. Louis. He most recently served as vice president of operations support.